CORRELATION STUDIES IN EDUCATION

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ABSTRACT This paper reviewed importance of correlation studies in educational research. The paper concluded that correlation is used to find relationship between variables, determined degree of association etc. and recommendation was made at the end of the paper. INTRODUCTION Correlational study is very important in research. This is obvious in the ways it has been used in researches today in sciences, education, engineering etc. correlational study is used to find relationships between variables, degree of relationships, association among parameters, existing influences between variables, determine the degree of freedom, variability in performance, strength of variations in strength of relationships. The correlation is one of the most common and most useful statistics. A correlation is a single number that describes the degree of relationship between two variables. IMPORTANCE OF CORRELATION Darko and Ansa-Asare (2009) cited the use of correlation to establish relationships and interactions between parameters. Correlation does not only used to find out relationship that exists between variables, it can also be used to determine the degree of relationships and variability between students’ performance in examination as opined by Oluwatayo (2007). Abe (2007) confirmed that correlation can be used to determine the strength of relationship between subjects and variations in strength of relationships of scores in subjects. Correlation is a good instrument to be used to analyse relationship between performances of students as observed by Ige (2007). Boampong, Acquah and Achiamaa (2009) used correlation to assess linear association among studied quantitative parameters. Boampong, Acqua, Sam-Awortwi and Ofori (2010) stated that correlation could be used to test for association among measured parameters. Correlation allows the researcher to investigate naturally occurring variables that maybe unethical or impractical to test experimentally. For example, it would be unethical to conduct an experiment on whether smoking causes lung cancer. Mcleod (2008) opined that correlation identifies variables and looks for a relationship between them. Correlation allows the researcher to clearly and easily see if there is a relationship between variables. This can then be displayed in a graphical form. The correlation is one of the most common and most useful statistics. He stressed further that correlation is a single number that describes the degree of relationship between two variables. Lanthier (2011) looked at correlation as a way to measure how associated or related two variables are. She explains further that in a correlational study, the researcher is measuring conditions that already exist and finding out in what way pairs of variables are related. Lanthier (2011) opined that the researcher looks at things that already exist and determines if and in what way those things are related to each other and that, purpose of doing correlations is to allow us to make a prediction about one variable based on what we know about another variable. She believed when we know there is a correlation between two variables, we can make a prediction. We can make predictions about things when we know about correlations. If two variables are correlated, we can predict one based on the other. Mcleod (2008) observed that an important area where correlation is widely used is in the study of intelligence where research has been carried out to test the strength of the association between the I.Q. levels of identical and non-identical twins. Correlation research is a form of analysis in which you correlate one variable with another to determine if there is a relationship between them. It is used as a first step prior to experimentation, when experiments cannot be conducted (for ethical or practical reasons). In correlation research you do not manipulate a variable, you gather information through: Observation, Surveys or Questionnaires, and Information Correlation is concerned with describing the degree of relationship between variables. Researchers can use one variable to make predictions about another variable, that correlation can be used to find interrelation between variables. Minium, King & Bear (1993) posited that correlation can be used mainly to determine the degree of association between variables, and also to make prediction about an event. To establish reliability of a test, for example, we would want to know the extent of initial performance on the same test at a subsequent time. Minium et al (1993) opined that correlation is used in determining the degree of association between two variables and predicting a person’s standing in associated variable. John and Arthur (1991) viewed that when two variables are examined for their correlation; it is usually for the purpose of predicting one of them. Most correlation studies are initiated based on the desire to examine and explain the changing value of this variable. Horst (1963) said correlation measures the co variation in the magnitude of two things. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Correlation is very important in educational research as it could be used to find out relationship between variables, determine degree of association, for prediction about one variable and strength of a relationship. Having reviewed role of correlation in educational research it is therefore suggested that institutions of learning should design a course especially for correlation study. This will help students to apply correlation statistics correctly in research.

REFERENCES Abe, T.O (2007). Skewness and Kurtosis of School- based – Assessment scoresAs determinants of the need for moderation. International Journal of Research in Education 4(1&2) 40-46 Boampong, J.N,Acquah, S & Achiamaa, A(2009). A Cross- Sectional Study Of Home-based Management of Malaria in Bakaano, a suburb of Cape Coast, Ghana: Recognition of Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 11(2)50-57 Boampong,J.N,Acquah, S,Sam-Awortwi, E.N & Ofori,M.F (2010). A PreliminaryStudy of Association of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate with Malaria-Specific Immunoglobulin G and Malaria-induced Anaemia. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 12(1)89-98 Darko,H.F&Ansa-Asare,O.D (2009). Chlorophyll-A, Concentrations in Relation to Water Quality and Trophic Status in the Weija Reservoir from 2005-2008. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 11(2)7I-81 Horst, P (1983). Matrix Algebra for Social Scientists, New York: Holt,Rinehart, and Winston. Ige, O.O (2007). Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between Students’Performance in English and Mathematics in some Selected Secondary Schools in Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Education. 4(172)164-171

John, E. H & Arthur, G.R (1991). Linear Equations. Understanding business Statistics. USA. Richard, D. Irwin Inc. 450. Lanthier, E (2011). Correlation. Retrieved from http://www.nvcc.edu/home/elanthier/methods/correlation.html Mcleod, S (2008). Correlation. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/correlation.html Minium, E.W, King, B.M &Bear, G (1993). Correlation. Statistical Reasoning In Psychology and Education. John Wiley & son Inc. Canada. Oluwatayo, J.A(2007). Comparative Analysis of Students’ Performance in Chemistry in WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examination International Journal of Research in Education 4(1&2)194-200

How To Cope With Loneliness In Your Long Distance Relationship

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The weekends and times around the holidays can prove especially hard for those in a long distance relationship. You may feel like others who are coupled are having the time of their life, all wrapped up and cozy with their loved one. Accepting the fact that you will have periods of loneliness is the first step towards working to overcome them!

It is important to recognize the chain of events that cause feelings of loneliness to set in. This can be doing an activity by yourself that you may usually associate doing as a couple such as seeing a movie, dining out, or viewing a favorite show on TV. By recognizing why you are feeling lonely, you can then work towards meaningful activities that will minimize the loneliness as well as encourage your growth and strength as an individual.

Your long distance relationship can suffer if your emotional needs are not met. As can happen in any relationship, we can become so preoccupied with managing the relationship as a couple, that we neglect ourselves and discount the importance of doing some things alone. The following are a few ideas to help overcome the inevitable feelings of aloneness that will come up during the separation from your partner:

plan a life for yourself outside of your distance relationship

create an active life with friends – this may include renewing past friendships

return to hobbies that used to provide enjoyment (cooking, knitting, ceramics)

try a new sport or resume one that you previously found challenging and fun

indulge yourself by visiting a spa

workout at a gym

volunteer by reaching out to others

try a creative outlet such as painting, writing in a journal, or taking a dance class

visit a new restaurant – you can always order it as “take out”

do something by yourself or with a friend that your partner would not normally enjoy doing

delve into areas of interest that you have previously not found the time for

find a companion who can also serve as an advisor – particularly if this person is also in a distance relationship so that similar backgrounds and feelings can be shared and understood

By keeping an active life style while separated from your partner, you will benefit in several ways – you will come across as a more interesting and fun person to be around, and will find yourself able to contribute and share with more depth when you do get together with your loved one.

Although loneliness can accompany you for some of the ride, your long distance relationship should not suffer as a result. There are many ways to deal with these feelings and by doing so, it will help you become a more compelling and exceptional partner!

Tips To Fix A Broken Relationship – Build Trust In A Relationship And Get Your Ex Back

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If you really want to get back together with your ex, you need to figure out what it is that went wrong in your relationship. The 5 tips to fix a broken relationship will help you change those things and open to re-establishing things again.

Bad things happen, but there are resolutions and not every break up means the permanent end to the relationship. Before fixing a broken relationship you need to change your attitude and actions. Even after an affair, it is possible to save a relationship. Among the 5 tips to fix a broken relationship are:-

Find Out the Main Problem in your Relationship

Firstly, you must find out if your ex bored in the relationship with you and if she/he is looking for more space? Find out the reason and decide a way to change things. You need show your ex that you are the right person that she or he wants in life forever.

Show Yourself in Demand

In order to fix a broken relationship, you should show your ex that you are in demand. You must show to her that you are moving on and you are satisfied with life rather than thinking and begging her to come back to you. This will show your ex that you can be mature and happy, and it may just remind them how much they need and wants you.

Show You Can Live Without Your Ex

Let your ex start thinking how much they want to be with you. You can bring this feeling to them by going out and have some fun with your friends and show to your ex that you can live without them. You need to shift the power and psychologically use the right feelings and emotions.

Doing The Right Things

Most of relationship ended due to the lack of trust between both partners because they don’t realize that to gain trust in relationship, the partners should not only talk the right things but start doing them. Yes, which means apply the action plan, for each small promise rather than forget them after saying.

When you demonstrate that you can be trusted in the small things, a gradual sense of confidence will be realized in the larger picture of the relationship.

Learn to Apologize Your Ex

Learning to apologize your ex is one of the most important tips to fix a broken relationship. You must accept to apologize your ex more than once over time and treat the recurring comments about the violation of trust as a matter of course. If you want to stay with your ex, then you need to be patient with her/him.

Treat it as an opportunity for both of you to grow as individuals and for the relationship to mature. It requires that you change both your attitudes and actions. But it is possible to heal the divide and create a stronger relationship as a result.

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I’m Still Madly In Love With My Ex And I Want Them Back

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At the breakup of a long term relationship or marriage there are many who are still thinking to themselves, “I’m still in love with my ex.” This is common, so you are not alone in your thinking. You probably still have some hope that you can get them back. Even if things seem bleak right now and hope is little, it does not mean you cant get your ex back. Not only can you get them back, but the relationship can be stronger than ever. But, when you find that you are saying, “I’m still in love with my ex”, and you are longing to get your relationship back you will have to make it stronger if it has more of a chance to last.

Be careful in your anxiousness to get your lover back. For those impatiently declaring “I’m still in love with my ex” you may be too quick to turn back the hands of time. You may get what you ask for now, but if done incorrectly you may have the same final results that you experienced before.

The best place to begin is at ground zero. Take the time to figure out what mistakes were made in the previous relationship and also how the mistakes had an impact on the relationship. This will begin the process of building a stronger love than was present before. Starting all over again from scratch is the way to get back the one you love. You have to behave smarter this second time around, so tell yourself, “Yes, I’m still in love with my ex, but I want it to be better this time around.”

Let your renewed relationship happen naturally, and not in a contrived manor. Start up a friendship with your ex first, but take it slowly. If your ex feels that you are just trying to jump back into the relationship and things will be no different, than getting back together may not happen. It’s an age old saying, but if you are supposed to be together than it will happen.

You may experience a lot of crying and depression after your breakup but dont let your ex see it. Try your best to think positively as well. Most plans only succeed if you think positively. Acting depressed to your ex is more of a turn off than not. They probably would think “I dont want that in my life.” But, if they sense you are actually happy they will be curious as to what is going on, and re-think the breakup.

Ask yourself, “What type of person would I like to be with?” Would your ex like to be with that type as well? The majority of people want to hang around happy people who can create happiness in other’s lives too. That is the type of person you will want to be. Try to be someone that is in a good mood, can make others smile and can make a person feel they are wanted in life. Make your ex feel special to you.

You will be able to get your ex back and regain that love again if you can make yourself valuable to your ex. As well you want to make them feel needed by you. A balance of both is necessary. It is one thing to say, “I’m still in love with my ex”, but unless you take your time in building a stronger foundation than you had before you will not be able to get the love you had back as well as a stronger relationship.

Signs of a Healthy Relationship

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That may have been the definition of a good relationship years ago, but now most people want more. Following are ten signs of a healthy relationship.

KINDNESS

Is kindness more important to each of you than having your way, being in control, or being right? Do you each receive joy out of being kind to each other? Being kind rather than controlling with each other is essential for a healthy relationship.

SPONTANEOUS WARMTH AND AFFECTION

Do you and your partner well up with warmth and fullness of heart for each other and express it with affection? Are you each able to see the beautiful essence within each other, rather than just the faults? Are you able to get beyond the outer to the unique inner Self of each other? Do you enjoy sharing affection? Warmth and affection are vital for a healthy relationship.

LAUGHTER AND FUN

Can the two of you laugh and play together? Do you appreciate and enjoy each other’s sense of humor? In the midst of difficulties, can you help each other to lighten up with humor? Can you let down and be playful with each other, letting yourselves be like kids together? Laughter and fun play a huge role in a healthy relationship.

ENJOYING TIME TOGETHER AND TIME APART

Are you both each other’s favorite person to spend time with? Are you motivated to set aside time just to be together?

Do both of you have friends and interests that you enjoy doing? Are both of you fine when you are not together?

Some couples spend a lot of time together because they really enjoy it, while others spend a lot of time together out of fear of being alone. It is important for a healthy relationship for each person to have friends and interests, so that they are not dependent on each other. Dependency is not healthy in a relationship, particularly emotional dependency.

A METHOD FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

All relationships have some conflict. It is not the conflict that is the issue, but how you deal with it. Do you have a method for resolving conflict, or do the issues just keep getting swept aside? If fighting is part of how you deal with conflict, do you fight fair, or are you hurtful when you fight?

LETTING GO OF ANGER

If one or both of you get angry, do you hang on to it, punishing your partner with it, or can you easily let it go? In healthy relationships, both partners are able to quickly move on, back into kindness and affection.

TRUST IN YOUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER

Do you each trust that the love is solid, even in very difficult times between you? Do you each know that you can mess up, fail, disappoint the other, emotionally hurt the other – and the love will still be there? Do you each know that the love is about who you are, not what you do? This level of trust is essential for a healthy relationship.

LISTENING, UNDERSTANDING, ACCEPTING AND LEARNING

Do you each feel heard, understood and accepted? Can you share your secrets with your partner without fearing being judged? Are you each more interested in learning about yourselves and each other than you are in controlling each other? Is listening to each other with an open heart and a desire to understand more important than judging each other or defending yourselves?

SEXUALITY

Is your sexual relationship warm and caring? Can you be sexually spontaneous? Can you talk with each other about what brings pleasure to each of you?

FREEDOM TO BE YOURSELF

Do you each feel free to be all that you are? Do you each feel supported in pursuing what brings you joy? Does your partner feel joy for your joy?

While some people may naturally be open, kind, affectionate, accepting, and emotionally responsible for themselves, most people need to heal the fears and false beliefs they learned in their families. Healthy relationships evolve as each person evolves in his or her ability to be loving to themselves and each other.